Hockey second round talking points

Aug 11, 2016

Habitual winners Wananchi Men and Women teams enjoyed a huge degree of parity.

National Hockey League: End of round two

Top Scorers

Men

Thomas Opio 12 goals- Wananchi

Derrick Akuwa 9- Wanachi

Bramwell Lijoodi 8-KHC

Women

Doreen Mbabazi 12- Wananchi

Siddy Alum 10- Gazelles

Topista Anyango 8-Wananchi

With the third round set to resume in three weeks, the second round that ended on Sunday had a number of talking points; from the perpetual act of players doubling as umpires, some teams unveiling new jerseys, entry of more foreigners among others;

Habitual winners Wananchi Men and Women teams enjoyed a huge degree of parity in the second round of the league.

The two teams finished top with the same number of points (12), had their league top scorers, Thomas Opio and Doreen Mbabazi  finishing on 12 goals in the men and women categories, both remained unbeaten and of course they are the defending champions in both categories.

Though one can't afford drawing conclusions, it will certainly be hard to change the status quo going into the third and fourth division as other teams have remained pedestrian.

The second round saw a new age of foreigners embracing the league though they didn't have a visible impact on the outcomes. American Jessica Vonada made her way to third placed women side Kampala Hockey Club as dutch Leon Siepman and Janice Klingernberg plied their trade with Weatherhead and weatherhead Gazelles respectively.

Kevin Kimwani, Bramwell Lijoodi, Samuel Wakhisi and allan Malit from Kampala Hockey club are Kenyan nationals who have already been in the league.

Some players persisted as umpires simply because the association claims there is shortage of man power. The players include Michael Nashimolo, Ellis Katwebaze, Stanley Tamale,Joan Andika,Jerome Owori, Eugene Swimmerstone. Thomas Opio, Innocent Raskara among others.

"We are short of man power to handle all the league games" said Sadam Hassan,organizing secretary for the league.

Saddam also adds that new rules will be incorporated in the league come next season and among them the blocking of U18 players from playing in the league stands out as this will negatively affect teams like Wanachi Women team, Weatherhead Gazelles,deliverance church who have a strong cast of players below 18 years.

Weatherhead Jaguars and Simba unveiled new jerseys in the second round. Teams have worked on being smart and presentable on the field.

The second round produced a perpetual feeling of dis appointment in the Gazelles's camp after they lost 17-0 against Wanachi.

Meanwhile, The second  round produced one red card against Rockets' Wilson Olum as

Teopista Anyango, Peace Mahoka and Aziz Abdul continue to battle with injuries.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});